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Thearchitecture of Georgia refers to the styles of architecture found inGeorgia. The country is exceptionally rich in architectural monuments. Characteristic features of the Georgian architecture are monumentality, clear composition, strict proportions, moderate use of decorations, and above all these the harmonic interaction with nature.[1]
Georgian architecture is influenced by a number of architectural styles, including several each forcastles,towers,fortifications,palaces and churches. TheUpper Svaneti fortifications and the castle town ofShatili inKhevsureti are among the finest examples of medieval Georgian castles.
Georgian medieval churches have a distinct character, though related toArmenian andByzantine architecture, typically combining a conicaldome raised high on a drum over a rectangular or cross-shaped lower structure. Often known as the "Georgian cross-dome style," this style of architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century; before then, most Georgian churches were basilicas. Examples of the influence of Georgian ecclesiastic architecture can be found overseas in Bulgaria (Bachkovo Monastery built in 1083 by Georgian military commander Grigorii Bakuriani), in Greece (Iviron monastery built by Georgians in the 10th century) and in Jerusalem (Monastery of the Cross built by Georgians in the 9th century).
Otherarchitectural styles in Georgia include theHausmannized Rustaveli Avenue inTbilisi and that city's Old Town District.
The history of construction in Georgia can be traced back to the 5th-4th millennia BC, fromPaleolithic to theLate Medieval times.[2] The oldest structures were made of stone and wood, and later of bricks.
This was the period of considerable rethinking of internal space in church design. The space was increased by introduction of pillars that now held thetholobate, which gave possibility to experiment with the walls and improved esthetic perception of the interior. Traditional triangular niches by the sides of theapse also appear in this century. First such example, which actually started new traditions, wasTsromi church.
The first hints of the emerging 11-13th century architecture appear in this period inKumurdo Cathedral.
From the beginning of the century Georgian architecture becomes exceptionally artistic and decorative. Facades acquire rich relief ornamentation and arcading. Predominant ornamental motifs are inspired from nature – flowers, birds, wild and domestic mammals and people. Characteristic for eastern façade axial two rombs with ornamented window and cross above, first appeared inSamtavisi, was later used up until the 13th century. Many earlier built churches, likeSvetitskhoveli andManglisi cathedrals, were substantially rebuilt and decorated in the 11th century.
Major step in the general design was introduction of thecross-in-square plan.
Examples of that period:Samtavisi Cathedral,Samtavro church.
Following the traditions established in the 11th century, the accent was put on increased illumination of interiors in order to better observe frescos. This reflected in creating more windows in dome and side walls.
Examples:Ikorta church.
Bell towers near the churches start to be constructed from the middle of the century.
Invasion ofKhwarezmians andMongols, andstrong earthquake of 1283 brought significant destructions. Meanwhile, the end of the 13th century is notable for large scale construction of monasteries; particularly in provinces less effected by invasions, likeSamtskhe. Its rulers of theJakeli family succeeded in building one of the best in that period and still largely preservedSt. Saba's Church, part of Sapara Monastery.[3] Following generally theGolden Age traditions, churches of that period are characterised by more simplified and less expressive decorations. Facade architecture disappears, and decorations are made on smooth surfaces. Previously convex window decorations become immersed into the wall.Cladding is characteristically polychromatic. Thedome looks heavier than in previous centuries, and itstholobate typically has twelve windows, although starting from St. Saba's Church, the number increases to sixteen - eight true and eight false windows.
The decline, which began in the previous century due toMongol dominance, continued to reflect in the architecture of the 14th century. The church dometholobate becomes more stumpy. The facade decorations remaining only around the doors and windows. The examples includeGergeti Trinity Church,Zarzma andChulevi monastery.
